Cornish-based business launches innovative environmental packaging solutions

An innovative packaging company, Upton Group, based in Hayle, Cornwall, is breaking the traditional mould of packaging solutions. The company has launched a diverse range of environmentally friendly options, as well as introduced a unique design and photographic service.

Upton Packaging is a family run business, with a national and international client portfolio. Managing Director Keith Tipler believes there is a solution to any packaging requirement. As more and more companies seek to reduce their carbon footprint, packaging is one area which receives widespread criticism for the waste it produces. Upton has invested a lot of time and resource into addressing these issues.

As a result, the company has also recently launched Corn Starch bags, a 100% natural bio-degradable material which when buried disappears into the earth, removing the need for any plastic bagging. The company has also gone a step further with a range of bio-degradable catering products from cup, bowls, film bags, imitation greaseproof sheets, to cutlery, which are all either made from recycled, biodegradable material, or sourced from sustainable forests.

Keith Tipler explains: “We are very conscious of the waste packaging can produce and therefore felt it was essential we provided sustainable alternatives. Going forward we hope that environmentally friendly packaging will become the norm. However, there is still a lot of education to be done in the market place that these alternatives provide a robust and alternative option.”

The company is always looking at how to differentiate itself from its competitors and has also introduced a bespoke design and photographic service enabling it to provide clients with a fully integrated offering. Upton believes that packaging design is more than just design, it requires an understanding of the materials available and what is possible. Packaging of a product is often essential in promoting a company’s brand and image. Therefore, the quality, feel and structure of packaging need to complement the client’s ethos. The additional photography service enables clients to have marketing materials produced promptly on completion of design of their new packaging.

Keith adds: “We believe that packaging breaks or makes a product. Therefore, we always go that extra mile to deliver our clients unique packaging solutions.”

November 22 2007
NEW BUSINESS HAS CORNWALL WRAPPED UP

Upton Group UK Ltd. – a family run business venture from Staffordshire is celebrating completing it’s relocation to new premises in Cornwall this autumn.

With its head office now based centrally in Redruth. The company can easily service all of the West Country. The new office facility includes a centralised administration function and packaging showroom as well as warehousing and a distribution unit. Founded by Keith Tipler who has over 40 years experience within the packaging industry.

The company offers local businesses the opportunity to source a wide range of competitively priced packaging products in both large and small quantities from jewellery boxes and gift wrap to industrial supplies of bubble wrap, polythene, tape, janitorial and hygiene products. The company is also developing an eco-friendly range of products including bio-degradable and compostable packaging as well as organic cotton shopping bags as it understands businesses in the area are more aware of their impact on the environment than ever before. Tipler believes the key to success is being able to supply to local businesses, on a local level coupled with an extensive network of credible contacts nationally to ensure price and product range is second to none.

“Our business provides a comprehensive supply chain management from the initial order through to delivery. We have been extremely encouraged by the interest for a local supplier in Cornwall who can provide a high quality service along with a versatile product range,” commented Keith Tipler. “We recognised an opportunity in Cornwall to service all local businesses from art galleries to hotels, whilst maintaining our national client base. Not only this but the better quality of life Cornwall provides was also a reason for the move.”